Apparatus for retaining formwork tie &amp; connecting formwork

ABSTRACT

A primary pin apparatus having an adjustable one-step connection and disconnection mechanism, a supplemental pin apparatus for supplementing the primary pin apparatus and engaging ties, and an improved tie having a non-circular engagement hole. The primary and supplemental pin apparatuses each include an engagement pin including one or more locking fingers which selectively protrude angularly outward from a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin, wherein the locking fingers are selectively extendable and retractable in order to, respectively, connect and disconnect adjacent forming panels of a formwork. The tie includes a body which is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has an end presenting an engagement hole for receiving a pin, wherein the engagement hole having a greater dimension along the longitudinal axis and a lesser dimension along an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatuses and ties for connectingforming panels used in casting cementitious or other material, such asconcrete. More particularly, the present invention concerns a primarypin apparatus having an adjustable one-step connection and disconnectionmechanism, a supplemental pin apparatus for supplementing the primarypin apparatus and engaging ties, and an improved tie having anon-circular engagement hole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Formwork is used to contain and shape cementitious or other flowablematerial, such as concrete, during the pouring and setting, or curing,processes. One common use of formwork is in the casting of walls. Oncethe material has sufficiently set, the formwork is stripped, or struck,therefrom to be reused elsewhere.

Generally, formwork comprises parallel, spaced apart rows of formingpanels, with each panel of a row being temporarily connected to anadjacent panel to define a side of the structure being cast. Variousmechanisms have been used to accomplish the connection of adjacentforming panels, including complimentary nuts and bolts and complimentarypins and wedges. Unfortunately, these mechanisms generally suffer from anumber of problems and disadvantages, including frequent loss of loosepieces and longer time and increased labor costs associated withengaging and disengaging the mechanisms in order to erect and strip theframework.

One such mechanism comprises a retractable pin and latch. When it isdesired to connect adjacent panels, the retracted pin associated with afirst panel is extended through a corresponding hole in the secondpanel. Often this is accomplished by striking the opposite end of thepin with a hammer to drive it through the at least partially alignedhole. The latch is then manually engaged to prevent the inadvertentretraction of the pin and disconnection of the panels. When it isdesired to disconnect adjacent panels, the engaged latch is firstmanually disengaged, i.e., pried opened and pulled back to providesufficient clearance, and then the pin is retracted, by striking the endof the pin with a hammer, from the corresponding hole. It will beappreciated that this process requires several steps, and, furthermore,that accomplishment of one or more of these steps may be hindered by theaforementioned transverse stress caused by the weight of the pouredmaterial pressing upon the panels.

Additionally, ties are used to extend between and connect the parallelrows of forming panels in order to maintain the desired spacing evenunder the transverse stress caused by the weight of the poured material.The tie presents a circular engagement hole through which theaforementioned pin is inserted. This hole in the material of the tiecreates weak points of relatively thin material above and below thehole, i.e., between the edge of the hole and the edge of the tie, atwhich the tie is more susceptible to failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above-discussed and other problemsand disadvantages by providing a primary pin apparatus having anadjustable one-step connection and disconnection mechanism, asupplemental pin apparatus for supplementing the primary pin apparatusand engaging ties, and an improved tie having a non-circular engagementhole.

In one embodiment, the primary pin apparatus comprises an engagement pinincluding one or more locking fingers which selectively protrudeangularly outward from a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin suchthat a first force applied to a rearward end of the pin assembly setsthe locking fingers in a state of relatively greater protrusion whichlocks the adjacent panels together, and a second force applied to aforward end of the pin assembly releases the locking fingers to a stateof relatively lesser protrusion which unlocks the adjacent panels.

In various implementations, the primary pin apparatus may include anyone or more of the following additional features. The head end of theengagement pin may be tapered to facilitate disconnecting and separatingthe adjacent panels. The head end may be approximately between less than1.625 inches and 0.5 inches long. The apparatus may further include aset/release pin which is slidably received within the engagement pin,wherein the engagement pin is placed in the locked position by the firstforce applied to a rearward end of the set/release pin which both drivesthe engagement pin through aligned openings in the adjacent panels andsets the locking fingers in the state of relatively greater protrusionto prevent withdrawal of the engagement pin from the openings, and theengagement pin is placed in the unlocked position by the second forceapplied to a forward end of the set/release pin which releases thelocking fingers to the state of relatively lesser protrusion, and theengagement pin is placed in a retracted position by a third forceapplied to the forward end of the engagement pin. The apparatus mayfurther include a lock button operable to selectively lock theengagement pin in the retracted position. The engagement pin may includeone or more relief features which are engaged by the lock button, andwherein at least one of the relief features corresponds to the retractedposition. The apparatus may further include a housing, a guide sleeveslidably received within the housing, wherein the engagement pin isreceived within the guide sleeve, and a biasing spring operable to exerta biasing force on the guide sleeve in the forward direction. Theengagement pin may include an externally threaded region, and the guidesleeve may include an internally threaded region operable to engage andcooperate with the externally threaded region of the engagement pin suchthat rotating the guide sleeve relative to the engagement pin causes theengagement pin to correspondingly move in the forward or rearwarddirections relative to the guide sleeve.

In one embodiment, the supplemental pin apparatus may comprise anengagement pin including one or more locking fingers which selectivelyprotrude angularly outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the engagementpin, and a set/release slidably received within the engagement pin andbiased in a forward direction to normally place set the locking fingersin a state of relatively greater protrusion which locks the adjacentpanels together, and, when pushed in a rearward direction, releases thelocking fingers to a state of relatively lesser protrusion which unlocksthe adjacent panels.

In various implementations, the supplemental pin apparatus may includeany one or more of the following additional features. The head end ofthe engagement pin may be tapered to facilitate disconnecting theadjacent panels. The head end may be approximately between less than1.625 inches and 0.5 inches long. The apparatus may further include aflange located on a rear portion of the engagement pin, wherein, whenthe apparatus is connecting the adjacent panels, the adjacent panels arelocated between the flange and the locking fingers. The apparatus mayfurther include one or more O-rings located at least partially aroundthe engagement pin to provide friction resistance for maintaining theapparatus fully within a receiving hole of at least one of the panels.

In one embodiment, the improved tie comprises a body which is elongatedalong a longitudinal axis and has an end presenting an engagement holefor receiving a pin operable to secure the tie to the first panel, withthe engagement hole having a greater dimension along the longitudinalaxis and a lesser dimension along an axis which is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.

In various implementations, the improved tie may include any one or moreof the following features. The engagement hole may be is non-circular.The engagement hole may have a first lobe and a second lobe. The firstlobe and the second lobe may be the same size. The first lobe and thesecond lobe may be the same shape. The first lobe and the second lobemay have different sizes. The first lobe and the second lobe may havedifferent shapes.

These and other features of the present invention are described ingreater detail below in the section titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The present invention is described herein with reference to thefollowing drawing figures, with greater emphasis being placed on clarityrather than scale:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a primary pinapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded first side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded second side elevation view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded third side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevation view a pin assembly component ofthe system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6-9 are fragmentary, cross-sectional plan views showing operationand use of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional elevation view of anembodiment of a supplementary pin apparatus of the present inventionwhich may be used with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, elevation view of an embodiment of an improvedtie of the present invention which may be used with the apparatuses ofFIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary isometric view of the tie of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary elevation view of a version of the apparatus ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary elevation view of a version of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawing figures, a primary pin apparatus 10, asupplemental pin apparatus 110, and an improved tie 277 are is hereindescribed, shown, and otherwise disclosed in accordance with one or moreembodiments, including one or more preferred embodiments, of the presentinvention.

More particularly, the present invention concerns a primary pinapparatus 10 having an adjustable one-step connection and disconnectionmechanism, a supplemental pin apparatus 110, also referred to as a“short pin”, for supplementing the primary pin apparatus 10 and engagingties 177, and an improved tie 277 having a non-circular engagement hole.

Primary Pin Apparatus

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the primary pin apparatus 10 hasapplication in temporarily connecting adjacent forming panels A,B offormwork used in casting cementitious or other material, such asconcrete. Broadly characterized, the apparatus 10 has an adjustableone-step connection and disconnection mechanism which requires fewersteps and, therefore, less time to erect and strip (disassemble) theforming panels A,B, and which is less affected by the transverse stresson the forming panels A,B caused by the weight of the poured material.

More specifically, referring also to FIGS. 2 through 5, the primary pinapparatus 10 comprises an engagement pin 30 having a head or distal endand including locking fingers 90, which may have any suitable shapeincluding, but not limited to, substantially spherical or substantiallyelongated, and which selectively protrude angularly outward relative toa longitudinal axis of the engagement pin 30, and a coaxial set/releasepin 32 slidably received within the engagement pin 30 and which, whenplaced in a forward locking position, sets the locking fingers 90 in astate of relatively greater protrusion, and, when placed in a rearwardunlocking position, releases the locking fingers 90 to a state ofrelatively lesser protrusion. When it is desired to connect the formingpanels A,B, the panels A,B, are positioned such that the engagement pin30 is at least partially aligned with an opening in the adjacent panel,and an end of the set/release pin 32 is pushed or struck, such as with ahammer, to extend the engagement pin 30 through the opening and set thelocking fingers 90, thereby locking the forming panels A,B together.Thereafter, referring also to FIGS. 6-9, when it is desired to separatethe forming panels A,B, the head of the set/release pin 32 is pushed orstruck to place it in the rearward position which unlocks the lockingfingers 90, as seen in FIG. 6, thereby allowing for rotating the formingpanels A,B apart, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and, if desired, theengagement pin 30 can be pushed or struck to place it in a retractedposition, as seen in FIG. 9, which facilitates subsequent connection ofthe forms elsewhere.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the apparatus 10 maycomprise a pin mechanism 12 and a mounting structure 14. The pinmechanism 12 may include a housing 20, a guide sleeve 22, a biasingspring 24, and a pin assembly 26. The pin assembly 26 may include anengagement pin 30 and a set/release pin 32. Broadly, the mountingstructure 14 is operable to removably retain the pin mechanism 12 on thefirst forming panel A, and the pin mechanism 12 is operable to extendand retract in such a manner as to releasably engage the adjacent secondforming panel B.

The housing 20 of the pin mechanism 12 is operable to receive andcooperate with various other components of the pin mechanism 12 tofacilitate the functions thereof, and to secure the pin mechanism 12 tothe mounting structure 14. The housing 20 may include a receiver 40 anda mounting plate 42. The receiver 40 may be a substantially tubular,e.g., cylindrical, structure having a first opening 60 at a first end, asecond opening 62 at a second end, and a third opening 64 in a sidewallnear the second end. One or more of these openings 60,62,64 may beprovided with a seal, e.g., an O-ring or other gasket, to aid inretaining a lubricant, e.g., oil or grease, within the receiver 40 whichfacilitates the movement of various components therein. The receiver 40may further include a mounting flange 44 for coupling the receiver 40with the mounting plate 42. The mounting plate 42 includes one or morecoupling structures for coupling the housing 20 to the mounting box 14.For example, the coupling structures may be first and second flanges 66which are slidably received within a corresponding sleeve structure 68on the mounting box 14 (as shown in FIG. 1). The mounting plate 42 ofthe receiver 40 may be coupled by a single cylindrical member extendingthrough the mounting flange 44 and into the mounting plate 42, therebyallowing for rotating the receiver 40 relative to the mounting plate 42about an axis defined by the member.

The guide sleeve 22 is operable to cooperate with the engagement pin 30in such a manner as to allow for adjusting the distance that theengagement pin 30 extends through the hole in the second panel B. Theguide sleeve 22 may be substantially tubular, e.g., cylindrical,structure having a first opening 70 at a first end, a second opening ata second end 72, an internal threaded region, and an external flange 74.The guide sleeve 22 is slidably partially received within the housing 20through the first opening 60 of the first end of the housing 20, withthe second opening 72 of the second end of the guide sleeve 22 beinglocated within the housing 20. The internal threaded region is locatedin an intermediate area between the first and second ends of the guidesleeve 22, and cooperates with an externally threaded region (describedbelow) on the engagement pin 30. The external flange 74 surrounds anarea at or near the first end of the guide sleeve 22 and facilitatesturning the guide sleeve 22. The external flange 74 may be knurled orotherwise textured or contoured on an external surface to minimizeslippage when turning the guide sleeve 22.

The biasing spring 24 is operable to bias the guide sleeve 22 and othercomponents in a normally forward direction relative to the housing 20and the mounting box 14. The biasing spring 24 includes a first end anda second end. The biasing spring 24 may be partially received within theguide sleeve 22 through the second opening 72 of the second end of theguide sleeve 22 (best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4), with the first end of thespring 24 acting against a second end of the internal threaded regionwithin the guide sleeve 22, and the second end of the spring 24 actingagainst a surface surrounding the periphery of the second opening 64 inthe second end of the housing 20.

The biasing spring 24 also provides the advantage of tightening theconnection between the panels A,B as they move slightly as a result of,for example, wind, vibration, or workers walking on the tops of thepanels A,B. More specifically, other mechanisms can loosen under suchinfluences, but, to the extent the engagement pin 30 is not fullyextended through the hole in the second panel B, the biasing spring 24prevents the engagement pin 30 from working itself out of the hole and,furthermore, forces the engagement pin 30 deeper into the hole wheneverpossible. Additionally, if the spring-constant of the biasing spring 24is sufficiently low, the pin assembly 26 can be moved from the locked tothe unlocked positions by hand, i.e., by pushing the set/release pin 32,thereby avoiding the deleterious effects of frequent hammering.

The pin assembly 26 is operable to physically engage and disengage anadjacent forming panel, tie, or other structure. Referring particularlyto FIG. 5, the pin assembly 26 includes the engagement pin 30 and theset/release pin 32.

The engagement pin 30 is operable to slidably engage and disengage thesecond panel B. The engagement pin 30 may be substantially elongated andinclude a first opening 80 at a head end 82, a second opening 84 at asecond end, an externally-threaded region 86, one or more relieffeatures 88, and an internal channel extending between the first opening80 and the second opening 84. The head end 82 may be tapered, e.g.,substantially frustoconical, in shape and include one or more, e.g.,approximately between two and four, locking fingers 90 which areoutwardly protrudable from a surface of the head end 82. In order tofacilitate clearing the head end 82 when rotating the forming panels A,Bapart, as discussed below, the head end 82 may be, in variousimplementations, less than 1.625 inches, approximately between less than1.625 inches and 1 inch, and approximately between less than 1.625inches and 0.5 inches.

In one implementation, depending on the taper and length of the head endof the engagement pin 30, as well as the resistance provided by thelocking fingers 90, the set/release pin 32 need not be pushed or struckto allow the forming panels A,B to be rotated apart.

The externally-threaded region 86 engages and cooperates with theinternally-threaded region within the guide sleeve 22 to allow forselectively lengthening or shortening the reach of the engagement pin 30relative to the second panel B by turning the guide sleeve 22 in theappropriate counterclockwise or clockwise direction, respectively. Thisadjustment feature advantageously allows for accommodating panels withdiffering dimensions as well as additional hardware which it may bedesirable to secure to one or both of the panels A,B using the apparatus10 of the present invention. This adjustment feature also allows formaking the connection between panels A,B as tight or as loose asdesired, and accommodates arranging the panels A,B in a curved or othernon-parallel manner.

The relief features 88 allow for temporarily maintaining the engagementpin 30 in a particular position, which may be its fully extendedposition, its fully retracted position, or some intermediate position.

The set/release pin 32 is operable to set and release the one or morelocking fingers 90 at the head end 82 of the engagement pin 30. Theset/release pin 32 includes a first end 100 and a second end 102. Thefirst end 100 may include a taper, or the functional equivalent thereof,and the second end 102 may include an externally-threaded region. Thethreaded region extends through the second opening 64 in the housing 40,and a cap 104 which is larger than the second opening 64 is threadedonto the second end 102 of the set/release pin 32 in order to define themaximum extension of the set/release pin 32 relative to the housing 40.

A second biasing spring 101 may be used to bias the set-release pin 32in a normally forward, or extended, direction, thereby automatically andactively working to achieve and maintain a secure connection between theforming panels A,B. For example, if the engagement pin 30 is adjustedtoo short or if the forming panels A,B are not properly positionedrelative to one another, such that the locking fingers 90 are locatedpartially within the hole in panel B and therefore not fully extended,the biasing spring 101 acts to push the set/release pin 32 forward andthereby maintain outward pressure on the locking fingers 90 to achievethe best connection possible under the circumstances.

The set/release pin 32 is slidably received within the internal channelof the engagement pin 30. In a locked position, the first end 100 of theset/release pin 32 protrudes through the first opening 80 in the headend 82 of the engagement pin 30 and the taper of the first end 100 ofthe set/release pin 32 is positioned so as to set, or engage, thelocking fingers 90. As mentioned, the cap 104 threaded onto the secondend 102 of the set/release pin 32 is larger than the second opening 64in the housing 20 and defines the maximum relative position of theset/release pin 32 in the locked position when the cap 104 engages thehousing 20 surrounding the second opening 64.

The mounting box 14 supports the pin mechanism 12 in its operatingpositions, i.e., both its locked and unlocked positions. The mountingbox 14 may include a five-sided box, i.e., four sidewalls and a bottom,and the receiver 68. The receiver 68 may be affixed to the bottom of themounting box and slidably receives the flanges 66 of the mounting plate42 of the housing 20 of the pin mechanism 12 (as shown in FIG. 1). Theremay be a plurality of such receivers, or at least one receiver with aplurality of positions for receiving the pin mechanism 12. The sidewallsadjacent and opposite the receiver present at least one opening throughwhich the engagement pin 30 extends and retracts. Where there are aplurality of receivers or multiple positions for receiving the pinmechanism 12, there are multiple corresponding openings in the sidewallsfor the engagement pin 30. The other sidewalls may also each present atleast one such opening for engagement pins.

The apparatus 10 may further include a lock button 110 operable toselectively lock the engagement pin 30 in a retracted position. The lockbutton 110 may include a spring-loaded shaft which extends through thethird opening 62 in the sidewall of the housing 40 and cooperates withthe one or more relief features 88 in the surface of the engagement pin30. When the shaft engages a relief feature 88, the engagement pin 30 islocked in the corresponding position; when the lock button 110 isdepressed, the shaft disengages from the relief feature 88. The shaft ofthe lock button 110 acts against a flat on the side of the engagementpin 30 to prevent rotation thereof, wherein such rotation mightotherwise hamper or prevent the ability to rotate the forming panels A,Bapart, as discussed below.

The lock button 110 may also function to maintain the engagement pin 30and, more specifically, the locking fingers 90 associated therewith, ina particular orientation. If the engagement pin 30 rotates, the lockingfingers 90 may become oriented in such a manner as to make separatingthe panels A,B more difficult, particularly under stress; thus, the lockbutton 110 prevents such rotation unless depressed.

In exemplary use and operation, the apparatus 10 of the presentinvention may be used and function substantially as follows. Referringagain to FIGS. 6-9, the mounting box 14 is initially attached to thefirst forming panel A and the pin mechanism 12 is coupled with themounting box 14, the engagement pin 30 is in its fully retractedposition, i.e., the locking button 110 is fully inserted and engagedwith the rearmost relief feature 88 on the engagement pin 30, and theset/release pin 32 is in its unlocked position, as seen in FIG. 9. Thefirst panel A is positioned such that the opening in the mounting box 14through which the engagement pin 30 will extend is aligned with acorresponding opening in the second panel B. When it is desired to lockthe first and second forming panels A,B together, the locking button 110is depressed, allowing the biasing spring 24 to move the engagement pin30 forward through the openings such that the locking fingers 90 on thehead end 82 of the engagement pin 30 are located on the opposite side ofthe opening in the second panel B. As necessary, the guide sleeve 22 isturned to lengthen or shorten the reach of the engagement pin 30 so thatthe locking fingers 90 are fully through the opening and properlypositioned. The cap 104 on the second end 102 of the set/release pin 32is then struck, as with, e.g., a hammer, to drive the set/release pin 32forward and set the locking fingers 90 at their relatively greaterprotrusion, thereby preventing the engagement pin 30 from beingretracted through the openings in the panels A,B. At this point, thefirst and second forming panels A,B are locked together, as seen in FIG.6. This process is repeating for each pair of adjacent forming panelsuntil the framework is fully assembled.

When it is desired to unlock the first and second forming panels A,B,the first end of the set/release pin 32 is struck to drive theset/release pin 32 rearwardly and release the locking fingers 90, a seenin FIG. 7. The forming panels A,B can then be rotated apart, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. If desired, the engagement pin 30 can be pushed or struckuntil the locking button 110 engages the relief feature 88 in theengagement pin 30 to lock the engagement pin 30 in a retracted position,as seen in FIG. 9, which facilitates subsequent connection of theforming panels A,B elsewhere.

In one application, the pin mechanism 12 is provided by itself, i.e.,separate from any mounting box 14, so that it can be used, as desired,to make spot connections at particular points on the panels A,B, such asat the bottom of the formwork where pressures due to the weight of thepoured material are greatest.

Referring also to FIG. 13, a version of the apparatus 210 is shown whichmay be substantially identical to any other version of the apparatusdescribed herein except for the following differences. The set/releasepin 232 is slidably received within the internal channel of theengagement pin 230. The second end 302 of the set/release pin 232protrudes from the second opening 284 in the engagement pin 230. In thisversion, there is no first opening in the head end of the engagementpin; instead, the first end of the set/release pin 232 is located withinthe engagement pin 230. To engage the locking fingers 290, the secondend 302 of the set/release pin is pushed forward so that the first endof the set/release pin 232 forces the locking fingers 290 outwardly. Todisengage the locking fingers 290, the second end 302 of the set/releasepin is pulled rearwardly so that the first end of the set/release pin232 allows the locking fingers 290 to move inwardly. The set/release pin232 may be spring-biased in a normally forward direction.

Referring also to FIG. 14, a version of the apparatus 410 is shown whichmay be substantially identical to any other version of the apparatusdiscussed herein except for the following differences. The apparatus 410is double-ended in that the engagement pin 430 presents a head end 482a,482 b and locking fingers 490 a,490 b at each end. Furthermore, asecond set of locking fingers 491 a,491 b may be provided near each headend 482 a,482 b. Alternatively, the second set of locking fingers may bereplaced by fixed flanges or other projections. As shown, the second setof locking fingers 491 a,491 b, or the fixed flanges or otherprojections, allows for securing the forming panels A,B in a spacedapart relationship. For each end of the apparatus 410, to engage thelocking fingers 490,491, the first end 500 of the set/release pin 432 ispulled forwardly (or, in an alternative design, pushed rearwardly) sothat the locking fingers 490,491 are forced outwardly and set. Todisengage the locking fingers 490,491, the second end 500 of theset/release pin 432 is pushed rearwardly (or, in the alternative design,pulled forwardly) so that the locking fingers 490,491 are released andallowed to move inwardly.

Supplemental Pin Apparatus “Short Pin”

Referring also to FIG. 10, the present invention further includes thesupplemental pin apparatus 110 for use with ties 122, wherein the tiesextend perpendicularly between the parallel rows of forming panels andfunction to maintain the relative spacing between the rows, and whichmay also be used to provide additional connection strength betweenforming panels A,B, such as at the bottom of the formwork wherepressures due to the weight of the poured material are greatest. Withregard to the former use, and depending on the design of the tie 122, ifthe tie 122 is used with the primary pin apparatus 10 then the apparatus10 may have to be fully retracted, as seen in FIG. 9, in order to rotatethe forming panels A,B apart. However, if the tie 122 is used with theshort pin 110, and the primary pin apparatus 10 is used only to connectadjacent forming panels A,B, then the apparatus 10 may not need to befully retracted, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in order to rotate theforming panels A,B apart, thereby saving time and wear-and-tear bothwhen stripping the forming panels A,B at their current location and whenerecting them at another location.

The short pin 110 is a simplified, and therefore less expensive versionof the primary pin apparatus 10. More specifically, the short pin 110comprises an engagement pin 130; a set/release pin 132; locking fingers190; a flange 175; and one or more O-rings 177. The engagement pin 130,set/release pin 132, locking fingers 190, and flange 175 may resembleand function substantially similar to the corresponding structures ofthe primary pin apparatus 10.

More specifically, the set/release pin 132 is slidably received withinthe engagement pin 130. A biasing spring 124 may be used to bias theset/release pin 132 in a normally forward, or extended, locking positionin which locking fingers 190 are in a state of relatively greaterprotrusion. As with the primary pin apparatus 10, when the head of theset/release pin 132 is pushed or struck, the locking fingers 190 arereleased to a state of relatively lesser protrusion, which allows theforming panels A,B to be rotated apart (as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8). Whenthe short pin 110 is installed, the adjacent walls of the adjacentforming panels A,B are held between the flange 175 and the lockingfingers 190.

In one implementation, depending on the taper and length of the head endof the engagement pin 130, as well as the resistance provided by thelocking fingers 190, the set/release pin 132 need not be pushed orstruck to allow the forming panels A,B to be rotated apart.

Because the short pin 110 is not necessarily secured to a mountingstructure, the one or more O-rings 177 are located at least partiallyaround the engagement pin 130 in order to provide resistance to maintainthe short pin 110 in position on forming panel A, such as before theother forming panel B is coupled therewith or when the set/release pin132 is pushed. The O-rings 177 may be of any suitable material, such asmetal or synthetic materials, for providing the required resistance.

As mentioned, the relatively inexpensive and less complex short pin 110may be used to supplement the primary pin apparatus 10 where needed,especially with regard to engaging ties 122. Additionally, the short pin110 may be used to supplement other connection mechanisms, includingprior art connection mechanisms such as pin-and-wedge and pin-and-latchmechanisms, and so has use apart from the apparatus 10.

Improved Tie

Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12, the present invention furtherincludes an improved tie 277 operable to extend between the parallelrows of forming panels and maintain the relative spacing therebetweeneven as the pressure due to the weight of the poured material attemptsto force the rows apart. Prior art ties present a circular hole throughwhich a pin is inserted, such as the engagement pin 30 of the primary orsupplemental pin apparatuses 10,110. This circular hole in the materialof the tie creates weak points of relatively thin material above andbelow the hole, i.e., between the edge of the hole and the edge of thetie, at which the tie is prone to failure.

The improved tie 277 comprises a body 278 which is elongated along alongitudinal axis and has an end presenting a hole 280 for receiving apin 282 operable to secure the tie to the forming panel A, with the hole280 having a greater dimension along the longitudinal axis and a lesserdimension along an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The non-circular hole 280 minimizes the aforementioned weakness byleaving significantly more material between the edge of the hole 280 andthe edge of the tie 277.

In one implementation, the hole 280 is has two connected lobes 284,286.One lobe 284 may be larger than the other lobe 286, as seen in thefigures, or the lobes may be of equal size. Additionally, the lobes,284,286 may have the same or different shapes. The lobes 284,286 areoriented substantially on and along a longitudinal axis of the tie 277,such that the maximum dimension of the hole 280 along an axis which isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie 277 is less than themaximum dimension of a circular hole along the same axis, therebyleaving a greater thickness of material than is left by correspondingcircular hole.

In one implementation, the hole 280 has a maximum dimension which issubstantially equal to the prior art circular hole and is otherwisegenerally shaped such that an engagement pin having a cross-sectionalshape matching the hole 280 will also fit closely within, and cantherefore be used with, prior art ties having circular holes.

As mentioned, the cross-sectional shape of the head end 82 of theengagement pin 30 of the primary pin apparatus 10, or of the engagementpin 130 of the short pin 110, can be shaped so as to correspond to theshape of the hole 280 in the tie 277 so as to be receivabletherethrough. In one implementation, such correspondence requires thatone or more grooves 288 be provided in the surface of the head end 82 toaccommodate the specific contours of the shape of the hole 280.Depending on where these grooves 288 are located in the surface of thehead end 82, one or more of the locking fingers 92 may have to beresized or repositioned to accommodate the groove(s). As also mentioned,in one implementation the resulting cross-sectional shape of the headend 82 is such that the engagement pin 130 can still be used with priorart ties have circular holes.

The improved tie 277 may also be used with other connection mechanisms,including prior art connection mechanisms such as pin-and-wedge andpin-and-latch mechanisms, if the head ends of the pins are appropriatelyadapted as discussed, and so has use apart from the primary andsupplemental pin apparatuses 10,110.

Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to variousparticular embodiments, versions, and implementations, it is understoodthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

1. An apparatus for connecting adjacent panels, the apparatuscomprising: an engagement pin including one or more locking fingerswhich selectively protrude angularly outwardly from a longitudinal axisof the engagement pin; and a set/release pin slidably received withinthe engagement pin and biased in a forward direction to normally placeset the locking fingers in a state of relatively greater protrusionwhich locks the adjacent panels together, and, when pushed in a rearwarddirection, releases the locking fingers to a state of relatively lesserprotrusion which unlocks the adjacent panels.
 2. The apparatus as setforth in claim 1, wherein a head end of the engagement pin is tapered tofacilitate disconnecting and separating the adjacent panels.
 3. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head end is approximatelybetween less than 1.625 inches and 0.5 inches long.
 4. The apparatus asset forth in claim 1, further including a flange located on a rearportion of the engagement pin, wherein, when the apparatus is connectingthe adjacent panels, the adjacent panels are located between the flangeand the locking fingers.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1,further including one or more O-rings located at least partially aroundthe engagement pin to provide friction resistance for maintaining theapparatus fully within a receiving hole of at least one of the panels.6. An apparatus for connecting adjacent panels, the apparatuscomprising: an engagement pin having a tapered head end, which isapproximately between less than 1.625 inches and 0.5 inches long, andincluding one or more locking fingers which selectively protrudeangularly outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin; anda set/release slidably received within the engagement pin and biased ina forward direction to normally place set the locking fingers in a stateof relatively greater protrusion which locks the adjacent panelstogether, and, when pushed in a rearward direction, releases the lockingfingers to a state of relatively lesser protrusion which unlocks theadjacent panels.
 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, furtherincluding a flange located on a rear portion of the engagement pin,wherein, when the apparatus is connecting the adjacent panels, theadjacent panels are located between the flange and the locking fingers.8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, further including one or moreO-rings located at least partially around the engagement pin to providefriction resistance for maintaining the apparatus fully within areceiving hole of at least one of the panels.
 9. An apparatus forconnecting adjacent panels, the apparatus consisting of: an engagementpin having a tapered head end, which is approximately between less than1.625 inches and 0.5 inches long, and including one or more lockingfingers which selectively protrude angularly outwardly from alongitudinal axis of the engagement pin; a set/release slidably receivedwithin the engagement pin and biased in a forward direction to normallyplace set the locking fingers in a state of relatively greaterprotrusion which locks the adjacent panels together, and, when pushed ina rearward direction, releases the locking fingers to a state ofrelatively lesser protrusion which unlocks the adjacent panels; and aflange located on a rear portion of the engagement pin, wherein, whenthe apparatus is connecting the adjacent panels, the adjacent panels arelocated between the flange and the locking fingers.
 10. A systemcomprising: first and second adjacent forming panels which are part of aformwork; at least one apparatus for connecting the first and secondadjacent panels, the apparatus including— an engagement pin having atapered head end, which is approximately between less than 1.625 inchesand 0.5 inches long, and including one or more locking fingers whichselectively protrude angularly outwardly from a longitudinal axis of theengagement pin; and a set/release slidably received within theengagement pin and biased in a forward direction to normally place setthe locking fingers in a state of relatively greater protrusion whichlocks the adjacent panels together, and, when pushed in a rearwarddirection, releases the locking fingers to a state of relatively lesserprotrusion which unlocks the adjacent panels.
 11. The system as setforth in claim 10, wherein the apparatus further includes a flangelocated on a rear portion of the engagement pin, wherein, when theapparatus is connecting the adjacent panels, the adjacent panels arelocated between the flange and the locking fingers.
 12. The system asset forth in claim 10, wherein the apparatus further includes one ormore O-rings located at least partially around the engagement pin toprovide friction resistance for maintaining the apparatus fully within areceiving hole of at least one of the panels.
 13. The system as setforth in claim 10, further including— third and fourth adjacent formingpanels which are positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the firstand second adjacent forming panels; and a tie extending between theparallel forming panels and operable to maintain the spacingtherebetween, the tie presenting an engagement hole through which theengagement pin is received.